# Cambridge Audio Alva Duo vs U-Turn Pluto 2: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo (Cambridge Audio) and U-Turn Pluto 2 (U-Turn Audio) among phono preamps. U-Turn Pluto 2 is the cheaper of the two at $129.

## Side by side

| Spec | Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | U-Turn Pluto 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $399 | $129 |
| Brand | Cambridge Audio | U-Turn Audio |
| Cartridge support | MM and MC | MM only |
| Gain (dB) | MM: 39 dB; MC: 60 dB @ 1 kHz | 40 |
| Snr (dB) | MM: >90 dB; MC: >70 dB (grounded inputs, 20Hz-20kHz, ref 1V output) | 90 dB(A) |
| Riaa accuracy | ±0.3 dB (30 Hz - 20 kHz) | ±0.3 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz) |
| Input capacitance pf | 100 | 100 |
| Subsonic filter | Yes | Active subsonic filter |
| Thd percent | MM: <0.0025%; MC: <0.20% (1kHz, 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth, THD+N) | <0.005% (A-weighted) |
| Output level | 300 mV nominal | — |

## Key differences

- Cartridge support: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM and MC vs U-Turn Pluto 2 MM only
- Gain (dB): Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM: 39 dB; MC: 60 dB @ 1 kHz vs U-Turn Pluto 2 40
- Snr (dB): Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM: >90 dB; MC: >70 dB (grounded inputs, 20Hz-20kHz, ref 1V output) vs U-Turn Pluto 2 90 dB(A)
- Riaa accuracy: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo ±0.3 dB (30 Hz - 20 kHz) vs U-Turn Pluto 2 ±0.3 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Subsonic filter: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Yes vs U-Turn Pluto 2 Active subsonic filter
- Thd percent: Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM: <0.0025%; MC: <0.20% (1kHz, 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth, THD+N) vs U-Turn Pluto 2 <0.005% (A-weighted)

## Sources

- Cambridge Audio Alva Duo: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/alva/alva-duo (cambridgeaudio.com, verified 2026-08-12)
- U-Turn Pluto 2: https://uturnaudio.com/products/pluto-phono-preamp (uturnaudio.com, verified 2026-08-12)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/phono-preamps/cambridge-audio-alva-duo-vs-u-turn-pluto-2/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Cambridge Audio Alva Duo ($399) vs U-Turn Pluto 2 ($129) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/phono-preamps/cambridge-audio-alva-duo-vs-u-turn-pluto-2/
License: CC BY 4.0.